BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
WORSHIP SERVICE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
November 16, 2025
Our faith in a God of love leads us, by the power of the Spirit,
to follow Jesus in doing justice, loving mercy,
and walking humbly with God.
To livestream the worship service for Sunday, November 16:
On Sunday morning, around 9:20 a.m. go to BCMC’s webpage at bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org and click the green button labeled LIVE STREAM on the right side of the screen, which will take you to the worship service. If you get a message in the black box that the video is unavailable, click the gray box below that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. Anytime after the service concludes, you can watch a recording of the service at your convenience by clicking the same green LIVE STREAM button. Again, you will probably have to go to the gray box that says “View Live Stream on YouTube”. That will transfer you to the BCMC YouTube Channel. You will have to click on the tab “Videos” to see all of the BCMC videos. Click the red button to see the bulletin/order of service.
OR – click on this link for this Sunday: https://youtube.com/live/PPLpnEciIEk?feature=share
If you have not already filled out the intent please take a moment to do so now! Thank you!
| Stewardship Invitation from Bethel College Mennonite Church Finance Committee: The Finance Committee of Bethel College Mennonite Church invites you to join in the faithful work of financial stewardship by sharing your intended giving for 2026. Information from the intent forms is used to help determine the budget for 2026. BCMC’s Church Board will recommend a final budget for approval at the congregational meeting on January 25, 2026. To indicate the contributions you plan to make to the general budget in 2026, please complete and return the online intent form by Monday, November 24. You can access this form by pressing the button below. If you would like a paper copy you can pick one up from the ledge in the Gathering Place or call the church office. For the online form press this button. |
| May we, as a church family, celebrate with gratitude all that we have been given and look toward the coming year with hopeful expectation. Your financial giving helps BCMC explore the path God lays out before us. Thank you for participating in our stewardship process for 2026! In Christ, BCMC Finance Committee *If you plan to give via the electronic transfer system in 2026, please make a request via email to BCMC Financial Manager, Michael Claassen (treasurer@bethelcollegemennonitechurch.org). This is separate from the online giving option found on the website. For the 2026 Budget Information for Bethel College Mennonite Church (the budget narrative) click the button below. If you would like a paper copy of the 2026 Budget Narrative, you can pick one up from the ledge in the Gathering Place or call the church office. Paper copies of the 2026 Intent Form are also on the ledge in the Gathering Place. |
Dear BCMC Beloveds,
I had a really lovely walk to work this morning. The temperature was just cool enough to feel like fall without being uncomfortably cold. The sun was shining. There were brilliantly colored leaves on the trees and delightfully crunchy leaves underfoot.
I suppose the path I walk between my house and the church building is objectively a lovely walk every day. But I noticed the beauty today because of my Thanksgiving friends, Jake and Lawrence.
At Messy Church this week we read the story of Jesus’ healing ten people with skin disease, and only one–the Samaritan–returns to give thanks (Luke 17:11-19). All ten of the people were healed, but the one who returned to give thanks received a special blessing from Jesus.
So Wednesday night we took some time to write thank you cards. And we paired up with Thanksgiving friends–people that we will be in touch with over the next few weeks by text or mail to share about things we are grateful for. That is why this morning’s walk was especially lovely: because I was thinking about my Thanksgiving friends; I was looking for pictures to text and colorful leaves to mail as I thought about how grateful I am for this beautiful morning.
In this season of giving thanks, I encourage you to find ways to attend to the beauty and goodness in your life–not as a denial of all that is ugly and harmful in the world, but as a spiritual practice that will keep you connected to God and energized for the good work to which God calls us. Maybe you want to write a thank you note–or a few. If you don’t have a Thanksgiving friend, maybe you want to find one–someone who is willing to receive your gratitudes and share their own over these next few weeks. Maybe you want to take a few pictures each day of beautiful things you see. Or maybe you will write a gratitude list each evening or start your day with Psalm 100.
As we go through these darkening days of fall, maybe we all can remind ourselves–and each other–a little more often of the psalmist’s encouragement: “This is the day the Holy One has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!” (Psalm 118:24)
With gratitude for each of you and all of you,
Pastor Joanna
The Worship Service for Sunday, November 16, 2025
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
November 16, 2025
Christ Candle Lighting
Centering Music—Jubilance (Raymond H. Haan)—Karen Schlabaugh
Welcome & Prayer—John Waltner
*Hymn—Praise to the Living God— VT 204
Children and Youth Conversation—Megan Kohlman
Worship Music—Acclamation of Praise (Raney)—Chancel Bell Choir; Verlene Garber, director; Karen Schlabaugh, organ
Scripture Reading—Matthew 27:15-24—Adam Oswald
*Hym—Don’t Be Afraid—VT 596
Sermon—Her Voice, Her Name—Nathan Koontz
*Hymn—Open, Lord, My Inward Ear— VT 548
Prayers of God’s People
*Hymn—God of Grace and God of Glory—VT 716
*Benediction
Postlude—A Mighty Fortress Is Our God—Johann Gottfried Walther
*You are invited to stand
VT—Voices Together
Keyboard—Karen Schlabaugh
Audio visual—Ken Lamp
The Week at BCMC: November 16—23, 2025
Sunday, November 16, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship service
Livestream Link: https://youtube.com/live/PPLpnEciIEk?feature=share
2:30—5 p.m. Wichita American Guild of Organists—Sanctuary
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
7 p.m. Women’s Fellowship (Men invited also) will meet in Fellowship Hall. Speaker Harald Boschmann, “1929 from Russia, Ukraine to Paraguay.”
Wednesday, November 19, 2025
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir rehearsal—Sanctuary
Thursday, November 20, 2025
3 p.m. Witness Commission—Room 14 (note the change of time)
6 p.m. Chancel Bell rehearsal—Room B7
6:30 p.m. Hospitality Commission—Fellowship Hall
7 p.m. Deacon Commission—Room 14
Sunday, November 23, 2025
9:30 a.m. Worship with sermon by Joanna Harader; music by Chancel Choir
The Worship Commission is excited about the upcoming Advent season! On the four Sundays of Advent (November 30, December 7, 14, 21) plan to arrive at church by 9:15 to enjoy special prelude music. And if you don’t have a regular Sunday School class, join us after worship in the chapel for a contemplative time of scripture, silence, and reflection. There are several seasonal events listed on the Advent & Christmas schedules available near the front and south entrances. Mark your calendars for our children’s Christmas program during Messy Church on December 10 and our Longest Night Service at 6 p.m. on December 21.
BCMC Offering for November 9: General Fund $7,559; MCC Meat Canning $250; Kitchen Fund $14.
From the Finance committee
We continue to offer gratitude for the generosity shared in donating monetary offerings toward our annual budget. Each gift is important to the process of fulfilling our mission. As the fiscal year end is approaching on December 31, we are offering information on a monthly schedule to offer insight into the financial picture. The following is a BCMC financial report of the general fund income and expenses on October 31 (83.3% of the year)
Total income $ 394,497 71% of budget
Total expense $ 438,974 79% of budget
Net income/expense -$ 44,477
A few weeks ago the Senior High youth group shared about their favorite Bible verses. Here are some that they mentioned: John 11:35; Zephaniah 3:17; Proverbs 27:17; Isaiah 41:10; Colossians 3:23; 1 Corinthians 16:14; Luke 17:3-5; Psalms 119:105. Next time you talk with one of the youth, you can ask them about their favorite Bible verse–and be ready to share yours!
Our Messy Church session in December will focus on assembling MCC infant bundles. As we prepare for this session, we are asking for monetary or physical donations for the supplies of the bundles. If you would like to donate monetarily, please place checks or cash in the marked fishbowls located in the back of the sanctuary. Please make checks payable to BCMC with “MCC Infant Bundles” in the memo line. Physical items needed for kits are located at the following link: https://mcc.org/get-involved/kits/infant
3 gowns/sleepers (flannel or similar warm, soft material); 3 undershirts/onesies (short or long sleeves); 1 receiving blanket [lightweight fleece or flannel, minimum 75 cm x 75 cm (30 in x 30 in), larger sizes preferred]; 4 large, heavy-duty safety pins; 1 large bar mild soap (leave in wrapper); 1 pair of socks; 1 cap
Thank you! – Jill Robb, Faith Formation Coordinator
You are invited to share a poinsettia for the sanctuary for the Christmas season. BCMC will purchase the poinsettias and deliver them to the church. To contribute, email the following to the office or fill it out and put it in the offering plate: Donor’s: name:
In memory of:
Or in honor of.:
Make a payment of $15.00 (made out to BCMC and designated “Flower Fund”) place in the offering plate or bring to church office by Nov. 23. There will be forms at a table in the Gathering Place this Sunday, if you wish to fill out a form in person. (Contributors may pick up a poinsettia Dec. 24 after the 5:30 pm Christmas program or after the Dec. 24, 9 pm program; or, if you wish, leave them for the service on Dec. 28.)
Bethel College Announcements
· Tues., Nov. 18: Guest recital: Seraph Brass, 7 p.m., Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College
· Dr. Russell Adrian, Professor Chris Miertschin and the Bethel College Concert Choir and Wind Ensemble will be doing a short fall tour in central Kansas, “The Heavens Are Telling,” with concerts at the following: Fri., Nov. 21, 7 p.m., First Mennonite Church (52 Rambler Rd., Hutchinson); Sat., Nov. 22, 1 p.m., informal destination concert, St. Fidelis Cathedral on the Plains (900 Cathedral Ave., Victoria); Sat., Nov. 22, 7 p.m., Manhattan Mennonite Church (1000 Fremont St., Manhattan); Sun., Nov. 23, 10:30 a.m., morning worship at Southern Hills Mennonite Church (511 SE 37th St., Topeka). Friday evening’s concert, titled “Light,” is a collaboration with the Hutchinson Community College Choir and will feature an original composition by Judson Lee, director of choral activities at HCC.
· Now in the Regier Art Gallery in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College: “Between Earth and Sky,” multimedia ceramic works by Merrill Krabill, through Nov. 21. Gallery hours are Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m.
· Calling all bakers and craft makers! You are invited to make items for 5 Places of Christmas happening Sat., Dec. 6, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Goerz House on the Bethel College campus. Bethel College Women’s Association will again be selling baked goods, candy, craft items and poinsettias. Your homemade cookies, zweibach, cinnamon rolls, peppernuts and poppyseed rolls are always great sellers. This year we are especially asking for homemade candies such as fudge, peanut clusters, peanut butter balls and peanut brittle, as well as other non-chocolate candies. We are also looking for Christmas craft items to sell. Please bring your items to Goerz House, 2512 College Ave., North Newton, on Fri., Dec. 5, between 2- 5 p.m. or Sat., Dec. 6, from 9:30 – 10 a.m. Thank you for your support of Bethel College.
Life Enrichment is a series designed for adults age 60 and over. Sessions are in Krehbiel Auditorium in Luyken Fine Arts Center at Bethel College. Wednesday, November 19 at 9:30—11:50 a.m.
9:30 a.m. “Storytelling: People who grew up in different countries and how it influenced their lives,” Hugo Boschmann, North Newton (Paraguay), John Waltner, Hesston (India), and Heidi Regier Kreider, North Newton (Democratic Republic of Congo).
10:50 a.m. “Music You’ll Want to Hear,” Dr. Russell Adrian, director of choral activities, Dr. Christina Liu, chair and associate professor of music, and the Bethel College Concert Choir
Join the 2025 Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty Conference Sat., Nov. 22 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. The theme is “Repeal to Heal: Death Penalty Repeal Advances the Culture of Life”, at the Hudson Auditorium in the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art on the Johnson County Community College campus. Panelists are Krisanne Vallaincourt Murphy (Catholic Mobilizing Network), Nan Tolson (Texas Conservatives Concerned), and State Representative Bill Sutton (R-District 43). Persons may attend in person or register for a virtual link. Register at https://forms.gle/6ynKsgkmPY6rASA87 or in person the day of the event starting at 12:30 p.m. Virtual registration closes at 5 p.m. Nov. 21. There is no admission charge. For information, email info@ksabolition.org or call 785-235-2237. Western District Conference is an abolition endorsing group of the Kansas Coalition Against the Death Penalty (KCADP), based on Mennonite Church USA’s A Resolution: The Death Penalty, resolving that Mennonite Church USA appeal to state and federal governments to abolish the death penalty.
Hesston College Masterworks Concert
The Hesston College Music Department invites the community to their fall Masterworks Concert featuring the piece, “Song of Wisdom from Old Turtle” on Sat., Nov. 22, at 7 p.m. in Hesston Mennonite Church. The piece is based on a favorite children’s book. The message and music are beautiful and also deeply meaningful and timely in today’s world. Sing with the choir! Contact Greg Bontrager at greg.bontrager@hesston.edu for details
Buhler Mennonite Church needs your help to package 50,000 meals on Sat., Dec. 6, at the Sand Hills Event Center, 4601 N Plum St, Hutchinson, through the Outreach Program. What a great way to give of your time during the Thanksgiving season to help local households who struggle to put food on the table. Please contact us at 620.543.2733 or bmcpastor@gmail.com. There is a job for all ages 7 to 147 years of age. You can work one shift or both shifts -1st Shift (Arrive 8:45am for the 9-11:00am) 2nd Shift (Arrive 10:45am for 11:00am-1pm). Job orientation is provided and no previous experience is needed!
Camp Mennoscah is thrilled to report that within the last three weeks, the insulation, drywall, mudding, and taping of the retreat center has been completed thanks to the generosity of many volunteers from a variety of area churches! While there remains much work to do on the building to get it on-line, the completion of these aspects of the work are a significant step in achieving our goal of having the retreat center available for public use by the end of March 2026, and we welcome your gifts of time, talent, and treasure toward that goal. To invest in the future of our children’s faith journey’s, please call or text Camp’s Director of Development – Eric Litwiller – to inquire about ways to give.
Food Fund-raising Events Coming to the area:
· Habitat for Humanity of Harvey County invites you to their annual Pork Chop Dinner fundraiser Nov. 20 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Faith Mennonite Church, 2100 N. Anderson Ave, Newton. Dine-in and carry-out options are available. This is Harvey County Habitat’s largest fundraiser of the year, and we need your generous donations to help ensure we can continue to build a new home for a qualifying family each year. Please reserve your pork chop meal (includes pork chop, potatoes, green beans, dessert, and a drink) by visiting our website at https://harveycountyhabitat.org/pork-chop-dinner-reservation/
· It’s time to stock your freezers with verenika & bohne beroggi. First Mennonite church of McPherson will be selling verenika and bohne beroggi made fresh, then frozen, by members of the church. Gravy and sauce will not be provided, but recipes will be attached. Orders will be taken until Saturday, December 6. Pick up date is Sat., Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the church 1161 E. Ave A in McPherson. Cost is $12 for half a dozen. Place your order through Facebook page – First Mennonite Church of McPherson or their website: www.firstmennonitechurchmcpherson.org. Pay at time of pick up by check,cash, or Venmo.
An exhibit titled, “Art From the Hearth” will be featured in the Regier-Friesen Gallery located in Hesston College’s Laban Peachey Center (325 S. College Dr., Hesston) Nov. 3 through 28. The exhibit includes various artists’ created bowls, cups, plates, teapots, etc. and includes recipes in which to fill them. Normal exhibit hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and admission is free.
Give back on Giving Tuesday at Mennonite Central Committee, Dec. 2 from 6:30-8 p.m. Make plans to join us on Giving Tuesday! Bring your family and friends to this casual, come-and-go, all-ages event. Kick off your holiday shopping by picking gifts for your friends and family from the MCC Christmas Giving Guide. Pack hygiene kits, tie comforters, make a cardboard comforter block craft, and enjoy snacks. Find out more at mcc.org/giving-Tuesday.
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is responding to the impact of Hurricane Melissa. Please pray for the people who have been affected by this disaster. MCC is working with local partners to provide food, hygiene items and other emergency supplies. We welcome your donations at mcc.org/hurricane-melissa.
Everence will hold its Medicare workshop at its office at 3179 N. Main St., Suite 1B, North Newton on Tues., Nov. 18 at 6:30 p.m. Topics include, when and where to sign up for Medicare, what Medicare covers, plus an explanation of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D. Attendance is recommended for those approaching retirement or those ready to sign up for Medicare. Those interested in attending should contact the Everence office at 316-283-3800, 877-467-7294 or central.kansas@everence.com.
The Newton Treble Clef Annual Vespers will be Sun., Dec. 7, 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 900 Columbus, Newton. The prelude will begin at 2:45 featuring The Schrag Siblings. Program includes: Treble Clef Chorus, Prairie Bronze Handbell Ensemble, and Hearts 4 Him. A freewill offering will be taken for the scholarship fund that will be awarded to high school seniors who are pursuing a music major. We invite you to be our guest and begin your Christmas Season.
Western District Conference invites you to visit our website to read the latest news, stories and announcements.
For Mennonite Church USA Mennonite Women “Grapevine” press here
For Mennonite Mission Network “News and Beyond” press here
For Paris Mennonite Center Update press here
Support hope for migrating people
Mennonite Mission Network invites prayer and urgently needed financial support for Joseph and Rachel Givens, who serve with the Maria Skobtsova Housing Association in Calais, France. Their ministry offers vital shelter and care to migrating people seeking refuge as they journey to England. Visit MennoniteMission.net/Givens and click “Give Now.” For more information about their immigration ministry, contact Elizabeth Eby, ElizabethE@MMNWorld.net.
Mennonite Church USA Announcements
Menno Snapshots
Learn how rest strengthens our capacity to resist oppression, inequity and despair in this Menno Snapshots blog by Lorraine Stutzman Amstutz, MC USA’s denominational minister for Peace & Justice, featuring reflections from attendees of the Women’s Summit in Greensboro, North Carolina. Read more here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/reflections-womens-summit/
Big changes are coming to the health coverage market in 2026. Are you ready? Watch MC USA’s recorded webinar, “Navigating Change: Health Coverage in 2026,” about what’s ahead and how it could affect your premiums. The first half is a broad overview of market shifts in 2026 and the second half focuses on The Corinthian Plan, MC USA’s healthcare plan for pastors and church workers. View it here: http://bit.ly/4qv8jV5
Mennonite Mission Network Prayer Request: Mennonite Mission Network is actively recruiting young people to participate in service programs beginning in August 2026. Pray that those whom God is calling to sign up for Mennonite Voluntary Service — with units in Arizona, California and Colorado — and Service Adventure — with units in Alaska and Colorado — will say yes.
Western District Conference Prayer Request: Pray for WDC congregations as they discern how to follow Jesus faithfully, practice healthy relationships, and act boldly for justice and peace in the world today.
Bethel College Mennonite Church is an open and affirming congregation
centered in the life and teachings of Jesus. Embracing the divine within each
person, we warmly welcome any and all into fellowship without regard to race, ethnic background, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability,
economic status, marital status, or age.
NOVEMBER 12, 2025 – Advent/Christmas Schedule
BETHEL COLLEGE MENNONITE CHURCH
There are copies of this flier in the front foyer of the church and on the glass table in the south entrance.